” Be quick!” exclaimed I and hastily inserted my lenses to the camera. Fortunately, the weather promised to be sunny and not too hot, thus I had good light conditions to shoot poppy seeds. They were gracefully turning their heads to my camera in modest attempts to show their most attractive bends. Through my viewfinder I spotted their delicate fringe petals that were easily blown away. Only their fluffy turbine-like heads were curiously casting a glance at you. It was tempting to make a closeup in black and white, there is something intriguing in all colorless pictures. It helps the photographer to go back in time when there was no alternative to black and white images. Do not click endlessly, just take delight in capturing the scenes. Maybe I am lack of technical skills, but I am in ecstasies about photographing the beauty surrounding us!

Not everyone knows but Ukraine is mostly an Eastern Orthodox country that celebrates her Easter in the other day. There is one for the Catholic Church and one for the Orthodox Church. On rare occasions the two dates fall on the same day. The reasoning behind the different dates comes down to the church and the modern day calendar.

This year we celebrate our Easter today, 8th of April. Paska, along with krashanky – which are dyed hardboiled eggs, usually of one simple colour and meant for eating at the Easter feast – are placed in the basket with lit candles and brought to the church on Easter morning. The Easter baskets are blessed by the priest and taken home by the families. After the ceremony, and sometimes after going back to sleep, families celebrate Easter morning with food from the basket. I confess that many Ukrainians get used to putting not only eggs and paska into their basket but also ham, horseradish, vegetables and even wine. Thus, their Easter breakfasts are quite nutritious. I certainly would like to be different and bring in my basket with only eggs and paskas in it…

More interesting facts you will find in my book that is going to be published soon…very soon!

It is Friday, last Friday of October, and I invite you to celebrate this unique day with me and my latest video dedicated to most colorful and inspiring moments that will never come back. But, fortunately, I was able to record them and we can press play button every time when our hearts are longing for this bright fall season. I love you, Madam Autumn, and I love you, my Friends:

Hope you have a relaxing Friday evening!

Make me happy and leave a comment!

Yours Film Director

P.S. By the way, it is my 200th post! One more occasion to celebrate today! Cheers!

Trinity or Green Sunday is celebrated on the 50th day after Easter in summer in Ukraine. Starting from Friday people were in search of green branches and herbs to decorate their homes with. And me too:

This tradition comes from ancient Judaism, in which the Pentecost, the Feast of Harvest, was celebrated outside amongst flourishing Nature.

The last Saturday before the Trinity Day is called “Green”. In the morning, Ukrainians went to the woods and meadows to collect herbs: thyme, tarragon, basil, oregano, tumbles and in evening they were decorating houses with the branches of maple, basswood, and ash.

On Sunday morning Ukrainians in festive clothes are going to the church, which is also decorated with flowers and branches of trees. After the church, boys and girls are heading to the woods, where they were playing games, dancing, singing songs, and joking.

There is one captivating tradition regarding wreaths, girls usually go to the forest or to the field to make wreaths. Then they come back to the village to tie the wreaths to the birch tree. On Sunday, girls are checking their wreaths and taking them off the tree. If the wreath remains fresh, it means the girl’s family would be happy, but if the wreath withers, it is not a good sign and meant the family will be unhappy.

In ancient times Ukrainians spent this holiday at forests and fields, arranging fireplaces and dancing around, even jumping through it. Nowadays, Ukrainians also prefer going to forests, but mainly for bbq and again dancing, although this time as an after effect of horilka, ha-ha! Happy Trinity!

Oh no, do not click yet, here is the cherry on today’s pie, my trailer devoted to new project, let’s check what I’ve got for you:

And you, do you celebrate Holy Trinity? Share! Subscribe! Like!

Love you all,

Have a great weekend!

Yours Ann

P.S. In case you would like to know more about Ukrainian traditions, I am happy to announce that currently I am working on a book about Ukraine…aren’t you interested?

2017 is the year of Japan in Ukraine. Thus, Ukrainians have a unique chance to get to know more about Japan and its culture. I was particularly lucky to visit Japanese Gardens which are presented right in the city. I felt very inspired by the seen. There is no single element or design component indicative of or required for a Japanese garden. The simplicity of Zen design is often the main finished attribute of a Japanese garden, which encompasses peace, calm and serenity. Varieties of design elements are generally incorporated to achieve the full effect of a traditional Japanese garden. Have a look:

There’s nothing more exciting and challenging than a new video about spring!😊 This time it was particularly captivating since I was literary under the weather and grey clouds that were frowning at me. They were pretty against of me, did several attempts to stop me, but failed. No power can stop Ann when she holds her beloved camera and hunts for spectacular views to share. There’s always something unique to be seen through my camera lenses. Believe me It’s worse fighting against weather and any other obstacles. For some of you this video will be special one, cannot tell why – you have to watch it till the end, surprise is waiting for you…😉 I guess spring is the most generous season, isn’t it, dear artists? So much beauty in every detail that you need extra time and battery to capture them. I continue my spring journey to discover the unseen and to admire the known, are you in? Then click the magic link: